These Origami Pieces Make Us Question What’s Real

The art of origami dates back to the 17th century. Though it is most commonly associated with Japan, traces of it have been found all over the world. Origami involves folding paper into simple and sometimes complex shapes. We’ve all made the classic swan while bored in the back of the classroom, but many people forget that the art of origami can be breathtakingly beautiful.

One of the people who create this beautiful style of art is Calvin Nicholls. He has been working with paper for over 25 years and his work takes everything you thought could be done with a piece of paper and throws it out a window – or, rather, in a shredder. His painstaking pieces of art are so incredibly detailed, it isn’t until you take an extremely close look that you realize what is really going on.

All of Calvin’s work is done with just paper.

His work exemplifies the importance of detail in art.

He recently finished a series called “Paper Zoo.”

Before he got to work, he spent time observing animals in their natural environment.

He sketches out what he wants his finished piece to look like.

Once he is ready to begin, he starts the process of cutting thousands of tiny strips of paper.

By layering strips of paper, he adds texture to his work.

To make his work even more amazing, Calvin only uses white paper.

Each piece takes a month or more to finish.

Some of his pieces have even taken years to complete.

Calvin uses small knives, scalpels, and scissors to make his art as detailed as possible.

The artist says fur and feathers are the hardest textures to replicate with paper.

Calvin’s work can be found in art galleries all over the world.

To view more of this incredibly talented artist’s work, you can visit his website. You can also stay up to date on his current projects by following him on Facebook here.

Don’t forget to SHARE these beautiful pieces of art with your friends and family!